Four in ten adults agree that cases such as Dr Harold Shipman and the Gosport Hospital scandal make them “concerned about changing the law to allow physician assisted suicide” (42%).

Eight in ten agree that “as a society we ought to try to do everything we reasonably can to reduce the rate of suicides, especially among men who are three times as likely as women to take their own lives” (78%), while only 6% disagree.

Half the public are concerned that if assisted suicide were legal, some people would feel pressurised into accepting help to take their own life so as not to be a burden on others (51%).

Almost half also agree that if GPs are given the power to help patients commit suicide it will fundamentally change the relationship between a doctor and patient, since GPs are currently under a duty to protect and preserve the lives of patients (48%). Fewer than a quarter disagree(23%).

ComRes surveyed 2,040 British adults online between 8th and 10st February 2019. Data were weighted to be representative of all British adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

SHARE THIS STORY

POLLWATCH

FEATURED POLL

“ComRes led a very substantial and complex data project for us with really expert advice and guidance to make sure we got the best possible quality data. With the help and support of ComRes consultants and in house data experts we managed to put together a potentially very difficult project on time and to the highest quality. They understand their clients and what matters to them."

Centre for Social Justice

ComRes were an absolute joy to work with. We needed a punchy poll-based story for the launch of the latest phase of our Choose Psychiatry recruitment campaign and ComRes delivered that in buckets, with the story getting national television, radio and print coverage as well as online.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists

ComRes help us produce data that our members value and allows us to communicate effectively to policymakers and the media about issues that are important to recruiters.

Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)

ComRes provided us with a high-quality service from beginning to end. We were particularly impressed with their understanding of our brief and their ability to meet exacting deadlines.

Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB)

ComRes takes the words 'partner' and 'collaborate' very seriously. From the beginning of our engagement with them, I knew that the effort would yield useful and insightful data. No other survey organization that I know of, can reach the level of opinion leaders that ComRes can. ComRes delivers excellent data, collaborates and responds consistently, and guides the effort with wisdom and insight.